Textbook and Board Exam Prep Resource Trends in Academic Health Sciences Libraries Serving College of Osteopathic Medicine Programs

Abstract

Objective

This study collected and analyzed data on the required and recommended textbooks and board exam prep resources in academic health sciences libraries that serve accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine (COM) programs in the United States.

Methods

The study consisted of locating, compiling, and analyzing data on the required and recommended texts and board exam prep resources through the COM libraries’ public-facing websites.

Results

The investigators compiled the required or recommended texts and the board exam prep resources used within the COM curricula from 38 COM libraries.

Conclusion

The study results provide information for medical school administrators, especially within the academic affairs department and library directors, to help identify trends across U.S. osteopathic medical schools to justify the need for additional resources and services. These results can assist medical and library leadership in COM schools in planning for their future academic health sciences libraries and COM programs. Finally, the findings could assist programs in library and information sciences in redesigning their curriculum and students who seek future careers in academic health sciences libraries.

Keywords:

• Board exam preparation
• library collection development
• medical libraries
• medical licensure
• osteopathic medicine
• textbooks
• undergraduate medical education

Disclosure statement

We have no competing interests to declare.